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Student Spotlight
Eighth grader Kimyah Cornelius joined the GHS community as a first grader. She says she appreciates that students can come to our teachers with issues they may be facing, whether academically or personally.
“Ms. V. always helps us,” says Kimyah of her class’s advisor. “The teachers here are nice and the students treat each other respectfully.”
Kimyah is an exuberant student who’s worked to purposefully channel her energy toward her studies, says Ms. V.
“She’s coming into her own,” says Ms. V. “Beyond completion of her own work, I also see her helping others which tells me she’s able to apply her knowledge.”
Ms. V. says Kimyah is setting the tone in her eighth grade year for a successful high school career.
“She’s developed this sense of independence,” says Ms. V. “She’s very funny, and she’s learning how to give helpful constructive criticism to her peers.”
Kimyah is a member of our middle school volleyball team, and she elected not to join the basketball team, though it’s a sport she’s interested in, so she can focus on her studies.
“I know that you have to have good grades, and to have good grades you have to do all your work and get it in on time,” says Kimyah. “If I did basketball I’d have less time to do my schoolwork.”
Outside of school, Kimyah is a member of the Love City Pan Dragons and she enjoys going to the beach with her family on Sundays. She also likes playing outside with her friends on the basketball court or in a game of capture the flag.
Upcoming Events
NO LC AFTER-SCHOOL TODAY AND DECEMBER 20
There will be no after-school clubs or academic support at the Lower Campus on Friday, December 13, when we're treating our teachers to a staff appreciation sunset sail, or on Friday, December 20, to give teachers time to prep their classrooms for the holiday break.
COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP OPEN TO ALL ST. JOHN FAMILIES DECEMBER 17
Gifft Hill School will host a college financial aid workshop open to all St. John families on Tuesday, December 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the GHS Upper Campus conference room. This workshop will offer practical guidance on assessing your eligibility for different types of aid, understanding the difference between loans, grants, and scholarships, and how to get as much support as possible. Families of high school juniors and seniors in particular will benefit from the information shared including types of aid, who qualifies, the FAFSA, and the total cost of attending college vs. the net price. Pre-registration is not required. Those who wish to attend by Zoom should use meeting ID 871 915 8703 and password GHS.
LOWER CAMPUS HOLIDAY SHOW DECEMBER 19
Each class at the Lower Campus will put on a holiday-themed performance in honor of the winter season. Parents of students in our toddler program, preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten should attend the 8:45-10:30 a.m. performance, while parents of students in grades 1-5 should attend the 10:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. performance. Families can also tune in virtually using meeting ID 871 915 8703 and password GHS.
UPPER CAMPUS GINGERBREAD BUILD DECEMBER 19
Our Upper Campus students will engage in the annual gingerbread house build on December 19. This is an interdisciplinary project whose components are tied to multiple classes. All materials will be provided by the school, but students are allowed to bring in their own edible building materials as well. Students are encouraged to wear school-appropriate holiday attire or holiday pajamas. Families are welcome to visit the Upper Campus between 1:00-2:30 p.m. to see the students' creations.
We will honor our fall athletes with a sports awards ceremony on Friday morning, December 20, at 8:20 a.m. at the Upper Campus atrium. All families are welcome to attend. Families can also tune in virtually using meeting ID 871 915 8703 and password GHS.
STUDENT COUNCIL PRESENTS FROZEN FRIDAYS
Student Council will host a fundraiser, Frozen Fridays, starting December 20. Snow cones and ice cream will be for sale during lunch with all items costing $5 or less.
GHS Highlights
HONOR ROLL CEREMONY
Kudos to this group of middle and high school students, who were celebrated Thursday morning for earning a place on our honor roll or high honor roll! We also recognized select students who model the attributes of a GHS graduate with pride awards. We are so proud of each and every one of our students and the positive attributes they bring to the GHS community!
KINDERGARTEN FIELD TRIP
Thank you to Josephine and family for hosting our kindergarteners at their Coral Bay Organic Gardens this week! It was a great outing and the kids were happy to go home with some fresh-picked greens.
Sports Central
BASKETBALL, CHEERLEADING NOW CLOSED
Sailing and running club/track and field are still enrolling. Please contact francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org for more information.
Sailing
Open to grades 6-12
Practice is underway and takes place Mondays and Thursdays from 3:05 to 6:30 p.m. at the KATS facility in Coral Bay. Friday practices, also from 3:05 to 6:30 p.m., are open sail time for beginners and will begin after winter recess.
Athletic dues are past due. Students who have not paid the athletic fee will be unable to participate in practice or games until the balance is paid.
Running club/track and field
Open to grades 3-12
Running club will continue on an open enrollment basis. Practices are on hold until after winter break. The start date will be announced.
Track and field meets will begin in January.
Dates to Remember
See below for important dates to remember over the next two months. View the full school year calendar by clicking here.
Community Corner: News You Can Use
CHILDREN'S JOLLY JOG DECEMBER 14
The Children's Jolly Jog will take place December 14 at 8:00 a.m. beginning and ending at the National Park ball field. Participants can register for free by using the QR code on the flyer below.
LOVE CITY PAN DRAGONS HOLIDAY CONCERT DECEMBER 14
Love City Pan Dragons will host a holiday concert and fundraiser with a theme of Caribbean Christmas on December 14 at 5:00 p.m. at the St. John School of the Arts. Ronald Lee Jr. and friends will open the performance and there will be complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, merchandise for sale, and a 50/50 raffle. This performance is a fundraiser for the band's May 2025 trip to PANFest in Virginia Beach, Va. Reserve your seat by sending $20 per person and each guest's name, phone number, and email address via Venmo @Lovecitypandragons or via PayPal to lovecitypandragons@gmail.com, or buy tickets at the door. Call or text 340-690-2420 for more information.
GOVERNOR'S CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 16
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. will host the annual Governor's Children's Christmas Party on December 16 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Frank Powell Park. Children from newborn to age 12 are invited to take photos with Santa and receive toys and treats.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA DECEMBER 21
Sun Dog Cafe will host breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 21, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcome to share their Christmas list with Santa and to get pictures taken with Saint Nick.
FREE HOLIDAY RUN DECEMBER 22
The St. John Land Sharks will Reindeer Ramble 5K, a free fun run, on December 22 at 8:00 a.m. at the Annaberg parking lot. No pre-registration is required, but participants 17 and under will need permission and a signature from a parent or guardian.
CRUZ BAY CHRISTMAS TOWN DECEMBER 23
The second annual Cruz Bay Christmas Town event will be held December 23 from 4:00 to 11:30 p.m. in Frank Powell Park. Everyone is welcome to shop with local vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and visit with Santa.
FREE LIFEGUARD TRAINING TO BEGIN JANUARY 11
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park will host a free lifeguard training for ages 16 and up beginning January 11. Those who enroll in the course will be paid $24/hour during training. In exchange, the Friends asks that attendees participate in its Learn to Swim program at least five times over the course of the year. The course will take place January 11 and 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cinnamon Bay and testing will take place January 13 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at a location that's yet to be determined. Those who cannot test on January 13 can do so on the evening of January 12. For more information or to sign up, email tmurza@friendsvinp.org.
BLAKE & KAREN RAPIER SPACE CAMP SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 21
Virgin Islands high school students with a GPA of 3.2 or higher are invited to apply for the Blake & Karen Rapier Space Camp Scholarship. The scholarship covers all costs for space camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. with program dates running from May through August 2025. Students will participate in simulated space missions, astronaut training, and hands-on activities including robotics and engineering challenges. Applications must include one letter of recommendation, a personal statement (500-750 words), and a resume. To apply, visit https://cfvi.co/SpaceCamp. For more information, contact 340-626-9396 or allena@rapiermed.com.
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